Victoria's Secret is coming out with a line of suggestive underwear targeted at middle school girls, and one father is angry (and articulate) about it. Evan Dolive, a Reverend from Houston, TX., wrote a powerful letter to Victoria's Secret, explaining why he finds this offensive, and, more to the point, harmful. Dolive does not fall back on abstract moral principles, rather he argues that products like the ones Victoria's Secret pushes can be dangerous to a young girl's self esteem:

Recently I read an article that Victoria’s Secret is launching a line of underwear and bras aimed at middle school aged children. The line will be called “Bright Young Things” and will feature ” lace black cheeksters with the word “Wild” emblazoned on them, green and white polka-dot hipsters screen printed with “Feeling Lucky?” and a lace trim thong with the words, “Call me” on the front.”

As a dad, this makes me sick.

I believe that this sends the wrong message to not only my daughter but to all young girls. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that her self-worth and acceptance by others is based on the choice of her undergarments. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that to be popular or even attractive she has to have emblazon words on her bottom.

Click the link above and read the whole thing. It's short and powerful. Even the comments are inoffensive (a minor internet miracle) and well thought out, such as this one from "Robin":

I worked part time at VS while in college and never considered most of their clothing appropriate for teenagers let alone middle school. These type of “suggestive” garments will make a girl feel more focused on her sexuality in a way that encourages flirtation and experimentation prematurely. I’m in favor of abstinence, but even in this society, we can all agree that teen sexuality needs no encouragement, but rather education on consequences and self control.

And this one from "Jeseamy":

I one hundred percent agree. I’m in college in Philadelphia and feel that sending this message to young girls is completely wrong. Girls should not feel as if they have to wear promiscuous clothing with those kinds of slogans to be “sexy.” All girls may not claim to want to be attractive or care about it but they all do. They’ll end up doing whatever is seen as popular and widely accepted. Please reconsider this line.

Victoria's Secret is going to sell these products if it makes economic sense to do so. The only recourse we have is to boycott them until they relent. They can brush off criticism, but they can't ignore a hit to their sales.